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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 09/13/2012FORT COLLINS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Regular Meeting – September 13, 2012 5:30 p.m. Council Liaison: Mayor Karen Weitkunat Staff Liaison: Rebecca O’Donnell Chairperson: Karen Buchanan A regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission was held on Thursday, September 13, 2012, CIC Room, 300 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Elaine Boni Kent Bryans Karen Buchanan Myles Crane Colleen Conway Christine Hays James Owiny Preety Sathe EXCUSED ABSENCE: James Lesco STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Rebecca O’Donnell, HRC Staff Liaison Melissa Herzog, Human Resources Rep. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Karen Buchanan at 5:32 p.m. PUBLIC INPUT None Becky O’Donnell introduced City staff person Melissa Herzog who will be assisting as recorder in Angelina’s absence. AGENDA REVIEW No changes were made to the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Kent Bryans made a motion to approve the July 12 and August 9, 2012 minutes. Christine Hays seconded the motion. The motion was approved 8:0. Karen Buchanan stated she and Elaine met with Becky O’Donnell to discuss staff and member roles and they have agreed that staff will provide draft HRC minutes to Chair and Vice Chair two weeks prior to the HRC meeting. Chair and Vice Chair will review and Chair will send to HRC members a week prior to the HRC meeting for their edits (making sure HRC September 13, 2012 – Page 2 members use track changes). Chair will finalize minutes and agenda for distribution to members and staff the Monday of the HRC meeting. BUDGET REPORT Becky O’Donnell reported that there is an HRC balance available of $931.95 including the Women’s Commission contribution of $161.60 for their participation at the Human Relations Award Program. She also stated that August and September meals have not yet been deducted from this total. Myles Crane approximated the amount of funds remaining in the HRC budget in order to request refreshments purchase for the Elder Abuse Forum October 22, 2012. He approximated $480.00 could be available. Becky noted that James Lesco has been researching purchasing a table HRC banner for forum and event display at an approximate $150.00 cost. There is a current standing banner available for use. James Owiny also mentioned that a facility for the Human Relations Award Breakfast needs to be secured by the end of the year and would finalize the selected facility in order to identify if any early payment is required to secure the facility for 2013. COMMITTEE REPORTS Executive Committee Karen reminded HRC members if they want further review of the City’s recommended budget they can attend City budget meetings on September 17 and October 2 and turn in their recommendations by October 4, 2012. Karen inquired about thank you notes sent to the last several guest speakers; the HRC member who invites the speaker, sends the thank you note. Chris Hays sent a thank you to Amy Drayer, Vice President of Strategic of Initiatives of the Center (formerly known as LAMBDA) who was guest speaker at the August 9 HRC meeting. Elaine Boni sent thank you notes to Citizen Review Board (CRB) Chair Anne Berry and Vice-Chair Glenn Strunk who attended the July 12 HRC meeting. Elaine stated she would send a thank you note to Cheryl Distaso with the FCCAN (Fort Collins Community Action Network), who during Public Input at the August 9, 2012 HRC meeting inquired into HRC’s interest to reinstate a City annual Diversity Conference. The HRC members discussed that they support the concept of an annual diversity conference, however, they are not resourced to take the lead to initiate a Diversity Conference; however, if the City supported the idea and funding were identified the HRC would be more than happy to support the City’s efforts. Kent Bryans made a motion to have Elaine Boni send the agreed upon response to Ms. Distaso along with a thank you note for her public input. Colleen Conway seconded the motion. The motion was approved 8:0. Elaine also stated that Cheryl Distaso suggested that the Human Relations Award criteria consider recognizing younger youth ages 5-13; and individuals in unpaid positions rather than paid positions. Elaine Boni made a motion to have the thank you note to Ms. HRC September 13, 2012 – Page 3 Distaso also include thanks for input on the award criteria and that the HRC will consider her recommendations. James Owiny seconded the motion. The motion was approved 8:0. Karen announced the Women’s Commission’s B&C collaboration meeting will be at the Lincoln Center on Monday October 29 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Karen is working with the Women’s Commission on developing an agenda and facilitated resources. HRC members Chris Hays, Myles Crane and Colleen Conway expressed an interest in attending the meeting and Karen will follow up with members on meeting logistics. The targeted agenda will consist of action oriented steps to identify the top issues for collaboration and will be facilitated by an external person. Chris Hays suggested that B&C’s should share how they perceive themselves by sharing what they believe their mission is and whether or not they are achieving their mission. Government Relations Committee Preety Sathe had no committee update. Elaine Boni mentioned that State Senior Bob Bacon’s term is up and in order to increase legislative knowledge, committees need to contact their representatives for legislative updates. Preety restated James Owiny and James Lesco’s recommendations at last month’s meeting that improvement be incremental by being conscious of “what’s going on locally and at a state wide level.” At each meeting, the commission could take 3 minutes to consider city issues related to housing, transportation, etc. She suggested that each committee identify the top three priorities to focus on to move forward in the area of increasing legislative knowledge. Citizen Liaison Program (CLP) Timing and Implementation Elaine Boni stated that HRC members who have completed their Ride Along with Police Services are herself, Myles Crane, James Owiny and Chris Hays. Elaine was not sure if past members JoAnn Ginal, Peter Hall and Tony Viney had completed their Ride Along. Preety Sathe stated she still plans to sign up for a Ride Along. Elaine stated she will now request that Captain Jerry Schiager attend an HRC meeting to finish the CLP training. She plans to schedule Jerry Schiager for the December HRC meeting. She also invited members to a holiday party at her house after the regular December meeting. Karen Buchanan stated she attended the Council meeting on August 21. Citizen input included more than 30 people talking about campaign reform, the on-campus stadium issue and the bike program manager position. Suicide Prevention is the 2012 theme for schools this fall. Citizens recognized firefighters for their work on the High Park Fire. AVAGO asked for 4.5M tax credit/cut. And Citizens spoke out for Stacy Lynn regarding perceived abuse issues without a fair review by police services. Save our Stadium was discussed as going to a referendum in November. There is no citizen referendum based on council vote. Christine Hays attended the council meeting on September 4, 2012. Public input included 21 citizens and topics included mosquito spraying discourse from organic garden owners. Corporate separation group members asked for separation from city and corporate world, wanting tax credit. CSU football stadium discussion continued. Future City Council meeting volunteers include Myles Crane to attend September 18, 2012, James Owiny to attend October 2, 2012 and Elaine Boni to attend October 16, 2012. HRC September 13, 2012 – Page 4 Karen Buchanan asked that protocol guidelines be established by the Government Relations Committee for City Council meetings for other HRC attendees Educational Outreach Committee EOC Meeting Update and Elder Abuse Fall Program Update Myles Crane reported the committee met on August 23 and August 29. They addressed: 36 people have registered 20 community resources have signed up 5 speakers have been confirmed Committee meeting set for October 9 at 5:30 at Whole Foods Myles developed a list of marketing contacts to share with others James Owiny drafted soapbox for immediate submission to the Coloradoan Elaine Boni drafted a letter to the editor of the Coloradoan Senior Voice article has been submitted Myles and Karen Buchanan volunteered to contact radio stations for public announcements Elaine Boni invited City Council members Becky will post the Elder Abuse forum on the City Community Calendar Karen Buchanan asked for approval of James Owiny soapbox and Elaine Boni’s letter to editor. Myles Crane made a motion to approve in concept subject to edits as needed. Preety seconded. The motion was approved 8:0. Upon review of the Educational Outreach committee minutes, James Owiny asked if subcommittees can approve minutes. Karen Buchanan explained that standing committees can approve minutes only if quorum of the HRC is present; if not, the minutes must be brought forward at a regular HRC meeting. If the HRC meeting has quorum, then the standing committee minutes can be considered and approved. EOC meeting minutes will reflect motions made to come to larger commission for approval. Karen Buchanan also clarified that all motions come from the chair. Karen Buchanan stated she will ask for clarification from Greg Tempel about who can vote on standing committee minutes and if HRC voting on certain items can occur via phone or conference call especially if quorum is needed. Myles Crane made a motion to approve the Educational Outreach committee minutes. Chris Hays seconded the motion. The motion was approved 8:0. Chris Hays asked why other co-sponsoring B&C’s are not contributing funds to the Elder Abuse Forum – and that funding and program resources should not be the sole responsibility of the HRC. Myles clarified he had not requested additional resource assistance from other B&C’s and would make sure that is part of co-sponsorship consideration in the future. Chris Hays also asked the HRC to review and discuss together the HRC’s purpose and goals and determine if they prefer to be a two event commission working on an annual forum and the HRC Award breakfast; or if they would like to explore the other things the HRC is about. Elaine Boni stated she agreed with Chris’s comments and stated the HRC previously held events such as Coffee Chats which were smaller, less cumbersome to coordinate and consisted of 20-30 attendees. Chris Hays reminded HRC September 13, 2012 – Page 5 members that the HRC is up for City Council review next year so it would be good to prepare. The 2013 Work Plan is due November 30 to City Council. Karen Buchanan asked if the HRC would be open to having a special meeting in November to talk about goals, priorities and collective ideas on what the HRC is about by reviewing the 2012 Work Plan and goals for 2013. Based on HRC’s willingness to have this meeting, Karen said she’d coordinate a mutually beneficial meeting date and time through Doodle. Further discussion will occur at the October meeting. Senior Law Day Myles Crane and Elaine Boni attended Senior Law day with over 200 attendees. Collaboration Efforts Based on Updated 2012 Work Plan Myles Crane reported the committee has begun outreach with other related B&C’s to introduce collaboration discussion. The Women’s Commission is currently focusing on their collaboration meeting with other B&C’s. Myles visited the COD to talk about the elder abuse forum. Karen Buchanan and Myles Crane met with the Youth Advisory Board and briefly mentioned collaboration efforts. Myles stated he would follow up with YAB. Media & Community Recognition Committee James Owiny had a joint meeting with EOC; James Lesco was not able to attend the meeting to discuss the banner. The CSU Diversity Conference is September 18 through 20th. James Owiny is speaking at the conference at the Lory Student Center on September 19, 2012 at 10:15 a.m. in room 230. Stop the Hate will be his discussion topic. James asked Becky to print 100 HRC brochures and 50 Elder Abuse Forum flyers for distribution at the Conference. James will also be speaking at the conference. Regarding the Elder Abuse Forum, other avenues of advertising were discussed including advertising the flyer on Cable 14; Posting in the City Hall Lobby and distributing flyers to all City buildings for posting. Becky will explore those advertising avenues through City staff. Chris Hays asked for Human Relations Award criteria survey information to be submitted to her by the end of September. She will resend to members for their input as some members did not get the email. Chris also recommended moving the HRC Award breakfast to October in 2014, for a combined awards breakfast with the Mayor’s Commission on Disability (COD) Award. Further discussion will occur at the October meeting. Becky stated that she is asking if the HRC Award plaques that were previously displayed in Council Chambers are to be displayed again. This would determine if the HRC should spend their funds to update the plaques with recent award recipients. James stated his committee will continue their standing committee meetings for the third Thursday of every month at Whole Foods at 5:30 p.m. Becky will post on the community calendar for the remainder of the year. Becky reminded members they must provide 24 hour advance notice/publication for meetings including changes and cancellations. If meeting changes or cancellations occur with less than 24 hour notice/publication, the chair will be required to attend pre-announced meeting time to greet any possible public attendance. Members are also asked to consider staff liaison availability to post short notice meetings, changes or cancellations. HRC September 13, 2012 – Page 6 NEW BUSINESS City of Fort Morgan interest in developing a Human Relations Commission Karen Buchanan shared that on August 27, 2012 the HRC received an invitation from Kit Colburg, Community Relations Services Department for the United States Department of Justice. Kit is working with community leaders in Fort Morgan to explore the feasibility of creating an HRC at the City of Fort Morgan. The Fort Collins HRC is invited to speak on goals, mission, and objectives on September 19, from 11am to 1pm. Lunch is provided and mileage reimbursement is available. No members were able to attend, Vice Chair Elaine Boni volunteered to summarize in an email HRC’s charge and community efforts. Boards and Commission Manual and staff liaison role Karen Buchanan and Elaine Boni met with Becky O’Donnell to review the B&C manual which includes the Staff Liaison duties and responsibilities; however, there were some areas of ambiguity that require clarification. So staff and member roles will be clarified, defined and implemented during the next few months for possible inclusion in the HRC bylaws including: 1. Staff Liaison will distribute draft meeting minutes to the chair and vice chair two weeks prior to the HRC meeting; 2. Chair will edit and distribute to HRC members in a few days turnaround time; 3. Members will use the “track changes” format of the minutes to provide input and edits and return to the chair a week prior to the HRC meeting; 4. Chair will finalize minutes for HRC distribution the Monday of the HRC meeting; 5. Meeting bullet points will be prepared, distributed to members, finalized and sent to staff liaison within 48 hours after the HRC meeting by the chair; 6. Staff Liaison will distribute to agreed upon recipients within one week after receipt from chair; 7. Immediately upon appointment of new commission members, Staff Liaison will provide new members with an HRC orientation consisting of an email with HRC website and appropriate links; 8. The HRC Award breakfast RSVP’s will be accepted and tracked by HRC members; who will also supply appropriate resources and their distribution to Staff Liaison who will be responsible for handling name tags, invitations, programs and certificates; 9. Routine correspondence with City Council/Staff and reports and/or other materials that need to go to Council Liaison should be distributed by the Chair/Vice Chair on behalf of the HRC. LIAISON REPORTS Elaine Boni reported that the Martin Luther King Celebration committee from CSU has defined their 2013 event theme to be “Faces of Freedom”. HRC members will be invited to grade elementary school artwork entries again in 2013. Myles Crane asked that HRC members be provided a list of the artist winners. Elaine also reported that the ACLU cancelled their meeting this week; and there were no Citizen Review Board or Transportation Board new updates. James stated that the State of CSU address recently occurred and that funding for higher education in Colorado should be better next year. HRC September 13, 2012 – Page 7 Karen Buchanan stated that the Center for Public Deliberation is hosting a September 22, 2012 community training from 9am to 4pm at Tamasag. She and Myles will assist with facilitation at the forum; and that later this fall will be advanced facilitator training. Kent – No Update. Myles stated Senior Advisory Board member Joann Johnsen with Elder House of Colorado spoke about affordable day programs for adults. Lindsey Ex, Environmental Planner for the City of Fort Collins spoke on land use code. Karen Buchanan stated the Youth Advisory Board included guest speaker Claire Thomas with the City of Fort Collins who reported on the Mason Corridor project. The Senior Center will host their annual Sundance Festival October 19 and 20, 2012 to support the expansion of the Senior Center, the event includes a chili cook-off. Nationwide Prescription Drug take back day is September 29, 2012 from 10-2pm at Police Services. (Note: the SAB update was provided in the first two sentences of this paragraph.) Chris Hays reported that the Women’s Commission is set to participate in the Elder Abuse Forum. Reflection document will be completed by them and they stated they hope the HRC would reciprocate if needed. Pride Fest flyers were distributed. Karen Buchanan reported that the Women’s Commission and the Center for Public Deliberation may be interested in partnering and share the cost of a booth at Pride Fest in the future. OTHER Becky reminded members that Elaine Boni, Karen Buchanan and Preety Sathe’s terms end in December. Elaine has served two full terms and is ineligible to reapply. Karen Buchanan will not be reapplying. Preety Sathe stated she will be reapplying to the HRC for another term. The following September 13 meeting bullet points will be sent to City Council Members as well as the Housing Authority and Affordable Housing Board, Transportation Board, Senior Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Board, Human Relations Commission, Women’s Commission, Youth Advisory Board, CDBG, Commission on Disability, Economic Advisory Board. CSU’s 11th Annual Diversity Symposium is being held September 18 – 20, 2012 at the Lory Student Center. Several HRC members will be attending different sessions. HRC member, James Owiny, will be speaking on the topic of “Stop the Hate” on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 from 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. in LSC Room 230. The HRC's "Make it STOP: Elder Abuse Forum” will take place Monday, October 22, 2012 from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Fort Collins Senior Center. Other program sponsors are: the Commission on Disability, the Senior Advisory Board, the Women's Commission, the Youth Advisory Board, the Senior Center Council and the Larimer County Office on Aging. Registration is online at http://col.st/QO1KcF. We welcome any board or commission members who would like to assist us with our planning, logistics and implementation efforts. A “Collaboration Meeting” for City Boards and Commissions is being held on Monday, October 29, 2012 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Center. The purpose of this meeting, spear-headed by the Women’s Commission, is to ultimately form a more relevant group of boards and commissions through increased knowledge of each other’s work plans as well as improved communication between boards and commissions and city government. HRC September 13, 2012 – Page 8 Preety Sathe made a motion to approve bullet points. James Owiny seconded the motion. The motion was approved 8:0 ADJOURNMENT Chris Hays made a motion to adjourn. Myles Crane seconded the motion. The motion was approved 8:0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. The next meeting of the HRC will be held on October 11, 2012, 5:30 p.m. in the CIC Room. Chris Hays announced she will be unable to attend the October HRC meeting. Minutes approved by majority vote of the Commission on October 11, 2012. STANDING COMMITTEES Executive Chair Karen Buchanan and Vice Chair Elaine Boni Government Relations Chair Preety Sathe / Kent Bryans, Elaine Boni Educational Outreach Chair Myles Crane/ Colleen Conway, Christine Hays Media/Community Recognition Chair James Owiny/ James Lesco